Cost of Living: Allentown, PA vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Allentown is 37% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,269/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 30%
$53,403/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↑ 63%
$188,900 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 141%
$1,243/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 30%
125,320
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
0%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

28.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Allentown, PA and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $382/month cheaper in Allentown, saving renters about $4,584/year.

Median household income is $33,576/year higher in Sparks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Allentown is $188,900 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Pennsylvania's 3.07% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allentown vs Sparks — common questions

Is Allentown or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Allentown and Sparks?
Median rent in Allentown is $1,269/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $382/month.
Which city has higher income, Allentown or Sparks?
Median household income is $53,403 in Allentown and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $33,576/year higher in Sparks.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Nevada?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Allentown or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Allentown has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,269/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Allentown details → View Sparks details →

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